Ransomware Virus Hits Apple's Mac Computers For First Time
PALO ALTO, Calif. (CBS) – Apple's Mac computers have long had a reputation as being the better alternative for people looking to avoid viruses.
But a Reuters report reveals that for the first time this weekend, Apple computers were targeted by a popular new kind of virus known as ransomware.
Ransomware has already hit Windows computers. It works by locking up the computer until a ransom is paid to hackers, or all the user's files are deleted.
Researchers in Palo Alto told Reuters that Mac users contracted the virus through a program called "Transmission," which works with the peer-to-peer file sharing network BitTorrent.
Once the computer was infected, hackers demanded about $400 worth of bitcoin from users in order to regain access to their files.
Apple says it has taken steps to prevent further ransomware infections.
